Adjustable automatic valve assembly



F. L. CAIN ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC VALVE ASSEMBLY Jan. 22, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 STEAM V OUTPUT Filed Aug. 26, 1959 INVENTOR: FRANCIS L. CAIN ATT'YS Jan. 22, 1963 F. L. CAIN ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC .VALVE ASSEMBLY I I I v a ii -Em Seats-Sheet 2 FRANCIS L. CAIN Filed Aug. 26, 1959 Jan. 22, 1963 F. L. CAIN 3,074,686

. ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed Aug; 26, 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG? mvsurom FRANCIS L. CAIN Jan. 22, 1963 F. L. CAIN 3,07

ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC VALVE ASSEMBLY Filed Aug. 26. 1959 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. 8 9+ 96 9s FIG. IO

INVENTOR: FRANCIS L. CAIN ATT'YS United States Patent Filed Aug. 26, 1959, Ser. No. 836,114 12 Claims. (Cl. 251-138) This invention relates to an" adjustable automatic valve assembly which is especially adapted for use in steam boiler operation.

In the operation of a steam boiler, water is fed to the boiler intermittently or continuously according to its consumption. Various apparatuses are employed for maintaining the water level in the'boiler. One of the-systems frequently encountered employs a steam driven water pump, and part of the steam production from the boiler is used to drive the pump.

It is desirable to provide automatic or semi-automatic operation of the water pump for the steam boiler. However, the operation of a steam operated Water pump is dependent upon the steam pressure supplied to the pump, andthis: varies from time to time depending upon the load on and the output from the boiler which supplies the steam. Consequently, the water pump is often operated manually and requires substantial attention.

It is a characteristic of a steam-operated Water pump that the steam cylinders must be kept hot during the periods when water is not required for the boiler, to prevent steam condensation and enable the pump to supply water at the proper rate as soon as it is needed. For this reason, the steam pump is kept in operation at a low pumping rate during the intervals between rapid pumping of water to the boiler when the water level therein has reached a sufficiently low level. Due to the variation in the steam output of the boiler, the valve settings for supplying a reduced quantity of steam to the Water pump suflicient to maintain the steam cylinders hot and produce a low pumping rate, must be changed from time to time.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an adjustable automaticvalve assembly, and particularly, an assembly for automatically actuating the valve at intervals and which is adjustable as regards the amount of valve opening. I

A more particular object is to provide an adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly adapted for a regulatable small flow through the valve alternating with increased flow to supply the'requirements of a boiler or other equipment.

A further object is to provide an adjustable valve assembly adapted for making both large and small adjustments of the valve opening.-

Another object is to provide a simple, compact, and economical valve assembly, andespecially, an assembly which may employ the conventional valves encountered and which may be mounted at the site of operation.

Aparticular objectis to provide an automatic valve assembly operated by a solenoid, and means for adjusting the position of the valve relative to the solenoid.

A more particular object is to provide means for automatically operating a valve opened and closed by a rotatable member.

A further object is to provide apparatus which may be employed for automatically operating the valve and re turning the valve to its starting position.

Another object is to provide apparatus for feeding water to -a steam boiler by means of a steam operated water pump, which apparatus requires a minimum of attention by the stationary engineer.

An additional object is to provide an adjustable valve assembly which is automatically operated by electrical switcjhmeans responsive to the boiler water level.

Another object is to provide apparatus wherein a water 3,074,686 Patented Jan. 22, 1963 ice pump for a boiler is operated by the boiler steam produced and which is especially adapted for use with varying steam pressure output and is adjustable to correspond to the steam pressure conditions from time to time.

These and other objects, advantages and functions of the invention will be apparent upon reference to the specification and to the attached drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts in each of the views, and in which FIGURE 1 isa schematic representation of an assembly for supplying water to a steam boiler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 7 p 7 FIGURE 2 is aside elevation of a preferred embodinient of the adjustable. solenoid operated valve assembly withparts broken away and in section, employing a single-acting solenoid;

FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of the assemblyof FIG- URE. 2, with parts shown in horizontal section;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the valve assembly;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view of the valve and associ-ated' structure as employed in the preceding views;

FIGURE 6 is a schematic elevational view of liquid level responsive means actuating a three-pole switch which controls the operation of the solenoid in the valve assembly according to the water level in the boiler;

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to FIGURE 3 of another embodiment employing a double-acting solenoid;

FIGURE 8 is a viewlike FIGURE 2 of a further em,- bodiment which includes additional means for automa-tically operating the valve when the average or normal conditions are exceeded;

FIGURE 9 is a view like FIGURE 6 illustrating additional liquidle vel responsive means for use with the embodimento'f FIGURE 8; and I FIGURE 10 is a wiring diagram relating to the additionalstructure' of FIGURES 8 and 9.

The invention provides a new and improved combination of avalve and means for automatically operating the valve, wherein thevalve setting is adjustable relative to the operating'means. Means are provided for making both large and small adjustments, so that the valve setting corresponds closely to the fluid pressure in the line leading to the valve. New and improved apparatus for feeding water to a steam boiler is also provided which is char acterized by ease of operation and requires but relatively little attention, so that the operator may perform other duties as well. g v I p The adjustable valve assembly preferably comprises a valveincluding a movable valve element, moving means comprising a solenoid including a movable plunger, means operatively connecting the valve element and the plunger, arid'm'e'an's for adjusting the connecting means to vary the relative position of the valve element. The construction preferably also includes means for adjusting the position'of the solenoid, which may provide a fine adjustment of the valve setting.- I

The new apparatus for feeding'water'to a steam boiler includes a steam-operated Water pump, the adjustable valve assemblyin the steam line to the pump, electrical switch meansresp onsive to the water level in the boiler, and means electrically connecting the switch means with the operating means of the valve assembly.

Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of an adjustablesolenoidoperated valve assembly is generally indicated by the numeral 1. The assembly includes a globe valve '2 or other valve suitable for adjusting the flow of fluid and especially steam therethrough. A onecoil or. single acting solenoid 3 is operatively' connected to the valve 2. Return spring means 4 are provided which normally bias the plunger 5 of the solenoid in open position corresponding to the more closed position of the valve 2. The solenoid includes as its other component parts an armature 6 surrounding a coil 7. The plunger is reciprocally movable in the coil 7 and also with respect to the armature 6, moving in a straight horizontal line in the illustrative assembly.

The valve assembly is included in the construction of apparatus for feeding water to a steam boiler as illustrated in FIGURE 1. A steam operated water pump 8 is connected in a water line 9 which is connected to a boiler 10 for maintaining the water level therein. Steam is produced in the boiler and conveyed therefrom through a pipe or conduit 11 to equipment constituting the main load. A branch steam line 12 is connected to the steam main 11, and it conducts steam to the water pump 8. The valve assembly 1 is mounted on the branch steam line, the steam flow therethrough being regulated by the adjustable valve 2.

The valve assembly 1 is automatically regulated by apparatus responsive to the water level in the boiler. This apparatus includes a vessel or well 13 connected to the boiler so as to maintain the same water level in each, a float ball 14 (see FIGURE 6) which rises and falls with the water level in the well and in the boiler, and switch means 15 responsive to the rise and fall of the float ball. The switch means are electrically connected through a power source 16 to the coil 7 of the solenoid 3, specifically, with the electrical wires 17 leading from the coil as illustrated in FIGURE 3. A suitable power source 16 is a source of 110 volt 60 cycle alternating current.

The constructions of the solenoid 3, the valve 2, the return spring means 4, the water pump 8, the boiler 10, and the float and switch means 13, 14 and 15 are generally conventional. The invention resides in the combination and arrangement of the components, and the combination with additional structure for accomplishing the objects described.

In the illustrative embodiment, a conventional globe valve 2 is provided in the branch steam line 12 to regulate the supply of steam to the variable drive water pump 8. The valve includes a valve element 18 composed of a rotatable member, spindle or stem 19 bearing a thread 20 and a closure member or element 21. The closure member includes a disc holder 22 and a disc 23 which bears on the valve seat 24 for closing the valve. The spindle 19 is freely rotatable in the closure member 21, and the spindle engages the member to raise or lower it as the spindle moves in or out of the valve. The thread 20 of the spindle engages a corresponding groove in the valve bonnet 25 for moving the spindle in or out as it is turned. The spindle is turned by a hand wheel 26 which mates with an integral square shank 27 in the central portion of the spindle. Steam or other fluid is admitted to one side of the valve through an entrance opening 28 communicating with the lower side of the closure 21, below the valve seat, and is discharged through the valve orifice 29 above the closure and out through an exit opening 30 on the other side of the valve.

- In accomplishing the objects of the invention, a cylindrical spindle section 31 of lesser diameter is provided which extends axially from the square shank 27, and terminates in a threaded end 32. The extension accommodates a surrounding spinal spring 33 under compression which bears upon the valve hand wheel 26, to perform functions subsequently described. At its opposite end, the spiral spring is retained on the spindle extension by a washer 34 and acorn nut 35.

The solenoid plunger 5 is operatively connected to the valve element 18 by means of a fastener 36 pivotally connected :to a chain link 37 which is also pivotally connected to an L-shaped operating link or lever 38. The operating lever 38 is pivotally or rotatably mounted at the apex of the L, on the spindle 19 of the valve which passes through a hole 38a at the apex, as best shown in FIGURE 5. The free arm 39 of the operating lever 38 is connected by a pin 46 extending from the former t a valve adjustment plate or index plate 40 in turn connected to the valve hand wheel 26, as described subsequently in more detail.

The solenoid plunger 5 is formed in the shape of a T with the top or crossbar 5a constituting the outer end of the plunger. A central slot 4-1 is provided in the crossbar at this end, and there is a circular hole 42 passing through the crossbar and normal thereto, for fastening the plunger to apparatus to be actuated thereby. The lever fastener 36 includes a flange 43 extending therefrom and received within the slot 41 of the plunger. A hole in the flange registers with the hole 42 in the plunger, and a cotter pin 44 or other suitable fastening means is inserted through the hole in the plunger and through the hole in the fastener to secure the two together.

By this construction, when the plunger 5 moves in and out of the coil 7, the lever fastener 36 moves therewith, and it in turn moves the pivotal link 37 therewith. The link constitutes interposed pivot means between the solenoid plunger 5 and the operating lever 38 for the valve. As the plunger 5 is moved back and forth, the operating lever 38 is rotated around the spindle 19 of the valve, which is journaled in the hole 38a of the lever.

The valve adjustment plate 49 is welded or otherwise fixed around a portion of the outer rim of the valve hand wheel 26, and constitutes an extension thereof. When the adjustment plate is moved, the hand wheel rotates an equal degree and rotates the valve spindle 19 to the same extent. The adjustment plate '49 is provided with a plur ality of spaced equidistant holes 45 arranged on the arc of a circle having its center at the axis of the spindle 19.

The pin 46 is fixed on one side of the free arm 39 of the operating lever 33, and it extends laterally and fits in one of the adjustment plate holes 45 to engage the plate. By this construction, when the operating lever 38 is turned, the adjustment plate at is turned correspondingly to raise or lower the valve element 18' and thus tend to open or close the valve.

It is one feature of the invention that the operating lever 38 may readily be engaged at various positions relative to the movable components of the valve and particularly the adjustment plate 40. With the described construction, the hand wheel 26 can be pulled out from the valve against the pressure of the coil spring 33, while still engaging the square spindle shank 27, and the hand wheel rotated to engage a diiferent adjustment plate opening 45 with the engaging pin 46 of the lever. The valve can thus be adjusted to one of a number of initial or starting positions, from which the valve may be further opened by periodic operation of the solenoid to meet the water requirements of the boiler.

As previously described, it is desired to maintain the steam operated water pump 8 operating at a low rate or idling during the period between substantial water requirements. Due to the variations in the steam pressure from the boiler, it is necessary to adjust the initial valve setting from time to time to insure that the idling conditions for the water pump are satisfactory. At the same time, adjustment of the initial valve setting produces corresponding adjustment of the open position of the valve for supplying the increased water needs of the boiler when the low water level is reached therein.

The valve adjustment plate 40 preferably corresponds to the quadrant of a circle. It may at times be desirable to operate at a valve setting corresponding to a rotation of the plate greater than so that the pin 46 of the lever would fall in a different quadrant. In such case, after turning the valve element 18 as desired, the hand wheel 26 is pulled off the square shank 27 and rotated relative thereto, and different surfaces of the square shank and the hand wheel are engaged when the hand wheel is replaced on the shank. In this manner, the pin 46 can be engaged with the adjustment plate 40 at any degree of rotation of the valve spindle 19.

The lunger 5 0f the solenoid 3 is illustrated in its outer position in each of the views, and is employed with its normal stroke for best results. In the illustrative embodiment, the plunger travels one inch into the coil 7, with'asuflicient load rating (9 pounds) to operate the valve easily. The arm 47 of the lever which is linked to the plunger is 4 inches in length, and the distance from the axis of the spindle 19 to the pin 46 is 2 inches. The valve 2 is rated at 225 pounds maximum steam pressure at-406" F. maximum.

Inasmuch- [as the solenoid 3 is single acting, spring means 4 are provided to return the plunger 5 to its initial or starting position aftereach operation to open the valve and supply water at an increased rate to the boiler. The spring means includes. a housing 48 of metal, a metal shaft 49, which is mounted for rotation about its axis, a sheave 5'0 fixed thereon for rotation therewith, and a coil spring 51 surnounding the shaft and connected to the sheave under torsion or compression. A Wire or cable 52. fastened to the sheaveby a set screw 53- or the like and wound around the groove in the sheave. The wire may be aboutone-sixteenth inch diameter. The wire '52 is connected to the solenoid plunger 5 by means of a cable clip 53 to which the wire is secured by a cable screw 54. The cable clipmay be fastened on the surface of the solenoid plunger by means of the cotter pin 44 which connects the lever fastener 36 to the plunger. The tension of the torsion spring 5 1.is adjusted to bereadily overcome by the electromagnetic force of the solenoid coil 7 when actuated, andwhenthe current to the solenoid is discontinued, to return the plunger to its outer position and simultaneously turn. the valve to its initial position, towards the closed position in. the illustrations.

The solenoid 3 and the spring means 4 are adapted for mounting. on thesteam line 12 adjacent the steam valve 2 in theline. For this purpose, a frame 55 is employed,.and it is welded or otherwise secured on the steam pipe. The frame includes a solenoid baseplate 56 welded to the pipe and a base plate 57 for the return spring means 4, fastened to the solenoid base plate as by screws 58.

The solenoid 3' is provided, for mounting purposes with angular mounting plates 59 secured along the sides of'the armature 6 at its base, by means of rivets 590 or the like; The laterally extending sides of, the solenoid, mounting plates 59 are in turnfastened by means such as screws 60 too. solenoid adjustment-plate or slidingplatform 61. The adjustment plate is provided with elongated adjustment slots 62 extending parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the, solenoidplunger 5. Screws 63 or the like extend through the slots in the adjustment plate and into the solenoid base plate 56. The screws provide means for fastening the solenoid to the base plate, and then for limited adjustment of its position in the direction of the axis of the plunger whenfine adjustment of the valve setting is desired.

The solenoid plunger 5 is. guided in itsireciprocal movement by thesides of the solenoid mounting plates 59 which abut the armature 6, and they form with the armature a channel 64 (FIGURE 3) in which an end of the crossbar 5a of the T-plungerslides. Similarly, the opposite end of the crossbar of the plunger slides in a channel 65 formed by a pair of guide plates 66 riveted or otherwise fastened to the armature on opposite sides and forming the. channel therewith.

To retain the solenoid plunger 5 within the armature, a perpendicular retaining flange 67 is provided integral with the solenoid adjustment plate 61' at the plunger end of the solenoid. It extends over the end of the solenoid armature 6 and overlies the end of the crossbar 5a of the plunger. Similarly, a retaining angle or retainer 68 is mounted on the opposite side of the'armature 6, by screws 69 or the like, and a retaining flange 68a extends over thev end of the armature and overlies the plunger crossbar 5a'. By these means, the plunger is prevented from being removed from the solenoid by the spring means 4,

6. and the plunger always maintains the same position relative to the coil 7 with adjustments of the solenoid 3- and during the intervals when the switch means 15 is open and no current flows through the solenoid coil 7.

At the end of the solenoidoppositeto the plunger, adjustment screw means are provided for the solenoid 3. An integral perpendicular adjusting flange 70 is provided on the solenoid adjustment plate 61 at the end opposite from the aforementioned retaining flange 67 for the plunger. An adjusting screw 71 provided with a hand wheel 72 is connected to the adjusting flange 70 by means of a cotter pin73 or the-like. A threaded flange or nut 74 is mounted on the solenoid base plate 56 as by welding, normalto the base'plate and outwardly from the -adjusting flange 70. The adjusting screw 71 threadedly engages the nut 74, for adjustment of the adjustment plate 61 and thus of the solenoid 3 relative to the base plate. When the adjusting screw 711's rotated by means of the hand wheel 72, the solenoid 3 is moved up or back in the direction of-the axis of the solenoid plunger 5'. The solenoid adjustment plate 61 slides on the base plate 56 within the limits of the longitudinal adjustment slots 62 in the adjustment plate which engage the screws 63 in fixed positions inthe solenoid base plate 56.

In this manner, means are provided for adjusting the starting or normal position of the unit which includes the solenoid moving means, the connecting means and the valve element. The position of the solenoid may be changed, with the position of" the plunger 5 changinga corresponding amountdue to the retainingflanges 67 and 68a, and the tension of the return spring means 4. The adjustment changes the position of the operating lever 38 and thus. the rotation of the valve spindle 19. The initial spindle rotation may be adjusted by these means to a finer degree than permitted by the spacing of the holes 45 in the valve adjustment plate. The provision of the two types of adjustment means enables accurate reproducible settings, and thecombination of the valve adjustment plate holes and the lever pin 46 insures against any change or alteration in the valve setting.

One embodiment of water level're'sponsive float and switch means: 14 and 15, is illustrated in FIGURE 6. The position of thefl'oat ball 14 corresponds t'o'the liquid level 75 in the well 13,whic-h is. the same as the liquid level in the boiler 10; Amagnetic stainless steel piston 76 is connected tov the floatv ball by ayerti'cal shaft 77, and the piston reciprocates in 'a guide ductlor'the like 7 8 as the water level changes The switch means 15 in cludes a three pole mercury switch 79 mounted ona pivot 80" above the float ball and the piston 76;

FIGURE' 6 illustrates the low liquid level conditions; duringwhich the switch 79' is rotated or tilted so that the mercury 81 therein completes an electrical'oircuit be-: tween poles or'ter'minals 'A and B. Under "these conditions, the switch in the linej'to'the' solenoid 3 is closed, and current flows. therethrough to excite or energize the coil 7 and cause'the plunger 5 to move into the coil.

As the liquid level approaches the normal level'in the boiler, the float ball14 rises and'moves' the piston 76 upwardly. A permanent magnet. 82' is fixed'on the switch 79 to pivot therewith. As the piston '76 is raised in the guide 78, the magnet 82' is. attracted thereto "and causes theswitch 79 to turn clockwiseon the pivot. When the normal level is reached, the switch 79 is turned sufficiently to break the circuit between poles A and B and close the circuit between poles'B'an'd C; Circuit B--C may be employed forother purposes in connection with the. operation of the boiler, or may be used to energize the second coil of a double-acting solenoid, as subsequently described with reference to FIGURE 7. Similarly, other conventional means responsive to the water level or content in the boiler may be employed for. automatic operation of the solenoid 3.

In operatiomthe boiler is fired for the production'of steam, and a partof thesteam output from'theboiler is withdrawn through the branch line 12 for operating the steam driven water pump 8 supplying the boiler. The pump may be heated initially, and operated manually if necessary, by opening a valve 83 in a line by-passing the automatic valve 2. A third valve 84 in the line ahead of the automatic valve 2. is closed when the boiler is not operating. With the by-pass valve 33 closed and the third valve 84 open, the steam supply to the pump 8 is regulated by the automatic valve 2. When the boiler water level is normal, the water pump 8 idles or pumps water at a low rate to the boiler. For this purpose, the automatic valve 2 is partly opened to admit sufficient steam to the pump to keep the cylinders hot and the pump in operation.

The pressure of the steam output from the boiler varies from time to time, and the automatic valve 2 is set at a position corresponding to the prevailing steam pressure in the line 12. In making the valve setting, the hand wheel 26 is lifted against the pressure of the coil spring 33 to disengage the valve adjustment plate 40 from the lever pin 46, and the hand wheel is turned to turn the valve spindle 19 by engagement of the hand Wheel with the square spindle shank 27. Upon reaching the proper valve setting, the hand wheel is lowered to engage the adjustment plate 4% and one of the openings 45 therein with the lever pin 46.

A relatively small amount of rotation of the valve spindle 19 can produce a considerable change in the steam flow through the valve. Consequently, a fine adjustment of the valve setting may be necessary. To accomplish such adjustment, the hand Wheel '72 connected to the solenoid adjustment screw 71 is turned until the adjustment is made. This produces an adjustment in the position of the complete solenoid in the direction of the plunger axis. The linear adjustment of the solenoid plunger 5 causes corresponding rotation of the operating lever 33 and of the valve spindle 19.

Should the desired valve setting be such as to operate with the lever pin 46 in a different quadrant, the hand Wheel 26 is lifted completely oil the square spindle shank 27 and rotated in multiples of 90, until the valve adjustment plate 40 is returned to its operating position overlying the free arm 39 of the operating level.

As the Water level in the boiler drops to the low liquid level as represented by 75 in FIGURE 6, the float piston 76 is removed from proximity to the permanent magnet 82 on the pivoted switch 79, the switch pivots counterclockwise, and the mercury flows in the switch to close the circuit between terminals A and B. Current then flows in the electrical lines to the solenoid 3, causing excitation of the solenoid coil 7 and the production of a magnetic field around the plunger 5. The plunger is magnetically drawn into the coil 7, and produces corresponding turning of the operating lever 38. This rotation of the lever correspondingly rotates the hand wheel 26 and the spindle 19 of the steam valve 2, raising the closure element 21 from the valve seat 24 and admitting an increased amount of steam to the water pump 8. The Water pumping rate is increased until the normal liquid level is restored in the boiler. With increasing liquid level, the switch 79 is caused to pivot clockwise so that the circuit is broken between terminals A and B and current no longer flows to the solenoid 3.

The return spring means 4 for the solenoid plunger then returns the plunger to its outermost position against the retaining flanges 67 and 68a. With this movement of the plunger, the operating lever 38 and thus also the valve element 18 are returned to their initial positions.

As the load on the boiler changes from time to time and the pressure of the steam output varies, the initial or low steam flow position of the valve 2 may be changed accordingly, by either turning the hand wheel 26 and inserting the operating lever pin 46 in a different valve adjustment plate hole 45 or turning the solenoid adiustment screw 71, or both. This adjustment also provides a views. plunger reciprocates accordingly, to open and close the slots 98 in the movable plate, into the fixed plate. ,fiange 74a integral with and normal to the movable plate ,is provided for mounting the adjusting screw 71, and for comparable amount of steam supply to the water pump 3 under the various conditions of steam pressure when the valve is opened relatively widely for restoring the boiler water level.

In another construction according to the invention, the automatic valve 2 may be operated in both directions by a double-acting or two-coil push-pull or like solenoid, as illustrated in FIGURE 7. The solenoid is electrically connected through a power source to the three-pole switch 79, with one valve-opening coil connected to the low level switch poles A and B, and the remaining, valve-closing coil 86 connected to the high level switch poles B and C. The solenoid serves in place of the combination of the single-coil solenoid 3 and the return spring means 4-. In a further alternative, the directions or positions of the single-coil solenoid 3 and the return spring means 4 may be interchanged, such as where the valve 2 is normally open.

In the construction of FIGURE 7, the solenoid is mounted on the sliding platform 61 by angular mounting plates 37, corresponding to the like plates 59 shown in the other views. The mounting plates and guide plates 88 on the opposite side of the solenoid secure the armature parts 89 and 36 together and form channels with these parts to guide the plunger 91 in its travel. The plunger includes an arm 92 extending through one end of the solenoid provided with a hole 93 for connecting the plunger to the pivotal link 37 in the manner of the other As each coil 85 and 86 is in turn energized, the

valve 2.

Further embodiments of the invention provide for greater fluctuation in the consumption of water in the boiler, acting to automatically move the unit which in- ,cludes the moving means, the connecting means and the 'valve element, to change the valve setting in case the load is outside of the average or normal limits. Thus an additional change is made in the position of the solenoid 3, to further open or close the valve during periods of overload or underload, respectively. FIGURES 8-10 illustrate a construction for automatically opening the valve wider during overload periods, and it will be apparent that the structure can be altered or supplemented in similar manner for automatic closing during underload, or for both results.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a modification of the construction of preceding views which includes a reversible motor 94 mounted for moving the solenoid 3 in a direction to open the valve 2 wider. A movable solenoid base plate 560: is employed in place of the fixed base plate 56 in preceding views, and an additional fixed base plate 95 is provided as part of the frame 55. The motor is mounted by screws 96 on the fixed plate, and is connected to the movable plate to move it from a starting normal position of the solenoid to a withdrawn position in which the valve is open wide, and then to return to starting position.

The movable base plate 56a is mounted on the fixed plate 95 by screws 97 which extend through longitudinal A threadedly engaging a screw shaft 98 driven by the motor WE.

The motor 94 is a, .00013 horsepower reversible shadedpole geared continuousduty motor, standard 3-wire control, volts, 60 cycles on the field coil. It is actuated by a second liquid level responsive switch means 99, shown in FIGURE 9; The construction and arrangement is like the first such means 15, and includes a pivot 100, a permanent magnet I01, and a switch 102 including poles D, E and F like poles A, B, and C. In this case, the second switch means 99 is mounted below the first for overload and excessively low water level. For high water level, like switch means may be mounted above the first switch means.

When the circuit'is closed betweenpoles-E and; F, as in FIGURE 9, the motor 94.tends to move .the solenoid 3 in the direction of the closed valve position, by means of the screw shaft 98 and the movable. plate flange 74a. Such movement beyond the normal solenoid position is prevented by the mounting screws 97 bearing on the movable plate. At low level, when the,- piston- 76 drops below the second switch means 99, the circuit between poles D and E closes. The motor then reverses and draws the movable plate 56a the effective length of the slots 98 therein, to open the valve 2. a-corresponding additional amount beyondthe opening caused by the solenoid responsive to the first switch means 15. The motor again reverses when the water level is sufficiently restored, and the, solenoid acts to returnthe valve element 18- to .its initial position upon suflicient additional increase in water level. FIGURE 10. shows the wiring diagram for the motor and the connections to the switch 102 through a source of power 103. The armaturewhich" drives the screw shaft 98 is represented by the number 104.

The additional operating means which include the motor 94 may be replaced 'by others performing the same functions, such as by an additional solenoid. Similarly, it may be advantageous at times .to. replace the solenoid 3 which operates the valve 2with .areversible motor or equivalent means performing the same functions. Where fine adjustment is not required, moving means such as the motor 94 may replace the adjusting screw 71 means in a construction like that shown in FIGURES 2-4, mounting the motor on the fixed base plate 56 for moving the adjustment plate 61.

The invention thus provides a very advantageous adjustable automatic valve and apparatus for feeding water to a steam boiler.

The construction is well suited for automatic or semiautomatic operation, and requires a relatively small part of the time of one man, who may also perform other duties. The adjustable valve assembly finds other advantageous applications as well. The construction is simple, compact, an economical, is adapted for use with the conventional apparatus commonly encountered, and is easily mounted in a convenient location. The apparatus is especially useful where the steam production is used to supply the water to a steam boiler, and the steam pressure and requirement varies from time to time to necessitate changes in the valve settings. The embodiments illustrated are preferred for accomplishing the objects of the invention, but it will be apparent that equivalent structure and arrangement of the parts can be employed within the scope of the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. An adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly which comprises a valve including a movable valve element, a solenoid including a movable plunger, means operatively connecting said valve element and said plunger, means for adjusting said connecting means to vary the position of said valve element relative to said plunger, and a reversible motor mounted for moving said solenoid to move said valve element.

2. An adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly which comprises a valve including a member reciprocably rotatable to open and close the valve, a solenoid including a. reciprocably movable plunger, an operating lever connecting said member and said plunger through interposed pivot means for reciprocating together, and means for adjustably connecting said lever to said member to vary the rotation of said member relative to said plunger.

3. An adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly which comprises a valve including a spindle rotatable to open and close the valve, and a hand wheel for rotating said spindle, an adjustment plate on said hand wheel, a solenoid including a reciprocably movable plunger, an operating lever connecting said adjustment plate and said plunger for rotating said spindle by movement of the plunger, and means for adjustably connecting said lever 10 to. said adjustment plateto-vary the rotation of said spindle relative to said plunger.

4.- An adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly which comprises, a.valve including a spindle rotatable to open and close the valve, and a hand wheel for-rotating saidspindle, an adjustment plate.- on said hand wheel, a solenoid including a. reciprocably movable Plunger, said solenoid being mounted for adjusting itsxposition in the direction of movement of said plungen adjusting; screw means for saidisolenoid,- .an operating lever connecting said adjustment plate and said plunger for rotating, said spindle-by movement of the plunger, and ,means for ad: justably connecting said lever to said adjustment plate to vary-therotation. of said spindle relative to: said plunger.

5. An adjustable solenoid operated. valveassembly which comprises aqvalve including aspindle-rotatableto openand closethevalve, and a hand ,wheel for rotating said spindle, and adjustmentplate onsaid hand wheel, a solenoid including; a reciprocably movable plunger, meansfor mounting said solenoid. for adjusting its position in the direction; of movement; of said plunger, adjusting screw. means for said solenoid, an operating lever pivotallymounted on. said spindle and connected to said plunger through interposed pivot means, means connecting said lever-to said adjustment plate for rotating said spindle by mo-vementof said plunger, saidconnecting means being adjustable to vary the rotation of said spindle relative to said plunger, said solenoid acting to move said plunger in a given direction for corresponding rotation of said spindle, and means normally biasing said plunger in the opposite direction.

6. An adjustable automatic valve assembly which comprises a valve including a movable valve element,

a movable member connected to said valve element for moving together,

means for adjusting the connection between said member and said valve element to vary the position of the valve element relative to the member,

a retainer for limiting movement of said member and thereby of said valve element, said member being movable relative to said retainer and also movable therewith, electrically operated means for applying a force to said member in response to an electrical signal to move the member relative to said retainer and thereby move said valve element,

and adjustment means engaging said retainer for moving said retainer and member together to thereby adjust the position of said valve element.

7. An adjustable automatic valve assembly which comprises a valve including a movable valve element,

a movable member connected to said valve element for moving together,

means for adjusting the connection between said member and said valve element to vary the position of the valve element relative to the member,

a retainer for limiting movement of said member and thereby of said valve element, said member being movable relative to said retainer and also movable therewith, electrically operated means for applying a force to said member in response to an electrical signal to move the member relative to said retainer and thereby move said valve element,

and second electrically operated means engaging said retainer for moving said retainer and member together in response to an electrical signal to thereby move said valve element.

8. An adjustable solenoid operated valve assembly which comprises a valve including a movable valve element,

a movable plunger connected to said valve element for moving together,

means for adjusting the connection between said plunger and said valve element to vary the position of the valve element relative to the plunger,

a retainer for limiting movement of said plunger and thereby of said valve element, said plunger being movable relative to said retainer and also movable therewith,

a solenoid coil mounted for moving said plunger relative to said retainer in response to an electrical signal and thereby moving said valve element,

and adjustment means engaging said retainer for moving said retainer and plunger together in either of opposite directions to thereby adjust the position of said valve element.

9. An adjustable automatic valve assembly which comprises a valve including a member reciprocably rotatable therein to vary the size of the flow passage through the valve,

a reciprocably movable plunger connected to said member for reciprocating together,

means for adjusting the connection between said plunger and said member to vary the rotation of the member relative to the plunger, and

electrically operated means for applying a force to said plunger in response to an electrical signal to move the plunger and thereby move said valve member.

10. A valve assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein said electrically operated means comprises a solenoid coil mounted for moving said plunger.

11. A valve assembly as defined in claim 9 and including a retainer for limiting movement of said plunger and thereby of said valve member, said plunger being movable relative to said retainer by said electrically operated means and also being movable therewith, and adjustment means engaging said retainer for moving said retainer and plunger together in either of opposite directions to there by adjust the position of said member.

12. An adjustable automatic valve assembly which comprises a valve including a member reciprocably rotatable therein to vary the size of the flow passage through the valve,

a reciprocably movable plunger, an operating lever connecting said member and said plunger through interposed pivot means for reciprocating together, means for adjusting the connection of said operating lever to vary the rotation of the member relative to the plunger, and

electrically operated means for applying a force to said plunger in response to an electrical signal to move the plunger andthereby move said valve member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 290,100 Osborn Dec. 11, 1883 978,706 Davidson Dec. 13, 1910 1,563,719 Buford Dec. 1, 1925 1,747,498 Archibald Feb. 18, 1930 2,539,913 Koepcke Jan. 30, 1951 2,616,447 Williams Nov. 4, 1952 2,674,435 Angell Apr. 6, 1954 

1. AN ADJUSTABLE SOLENOID OPERATED VALVE ASSEMBLY WHICH COMPRISES A VALVE INCLUDING A MOVABLE VALVE ELEMENT, A SOLENOID INCLUDING A MOVABLE PLUNGER, MEANS OPERATIVELY CONNECTING SAID VALVE ELEMENT AND SAID PLUNGER, MEANS FOR ADJUSTING SAID CONNECTING MEANS TO VARY THE POSITION OF SAID VALVE ELEMENT RELATIVE TO SAID PLUNGER, AND A REVERSIBLE MOTOR MOUNTED FOR MOVING SAID SOLENOID TO MOVE SAID VALVE ELEMENT. 